Walkinshaw: We Shouldn't be Punished

Arrows team principal Tom Walkinshaw has claimed that his team should not be punished by Formula One's ruling body, the FIA, for not taking part at this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.

The FIA are waiting for an official explanation from Arrows over their non-participation this weekend but Walkinshaw insisted it is a case of force majeure.

Lawyers acting for the Leafield-based team have said that competing at the Hungaroring could jeopardise takeover talks with former BAR boss Craig Pollock's consortium and energy drink company Red Bull.

A consortium of businessmen from the Middle East are also interested and Walkinshaw claimed that sorting a deal to save the team is the priority rather than running in Hungary.

"The lawyers have said that we have to focus instead on getting a deal done with investors," Walkinshaw told Autosport magazine. "There are three different offers on the table from three different continents and we have been running around all over the place.

"I had hoped to have this matter finalised before Hungary, but the best thing now is to sit down and get it sorted."

When asked about potential punishment, Walkinshaw added: "We shouldn't be. It's force majeure and I cannot see why we would be penalised because we are acting under advice from lawyers."

Arrows would lose their right to compete in the Championship if they miss a Grand Prix through insolvency, but can retain their place on the grid if their force majeure reasoning is accepted.